Hugh Evans Obituary

Hugh Critz Evans, son of William Dowe Evans and Ruth (Sally Ruth) Slagle, was born in Covington and reared in Corbin, Kentucky. He was the youngest of three boys, Virgil, Vernon, and Hugh Evans. He graduated from Corbin High School in 1946 and received degrees from the University of Kentucky and the U of K Law School. Upon completion of his education, he accepted a position at the Office of the Legislative Council of the United States Senate. He also married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Jean Chitwood (Jane), and the couple moved to Washington, DC. He had been at work only a few months when he was drafted and served in the Air Force, was stationed in Long Island, New York, and was a lawyer in the Judge Advocates General's Corps.

Following his Military service, he returned to the Legislative Council's Office, where he worked for 39 years until retirement. The office is nonpartisan and drafts legislation for the US Senate. His last assignment was with the Armed Services Committee under co-chairs Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia and Sen. John Warner of Virginia.

While they were stationed in NY, the Evans were introduced to the cultural life of NYC: theater, opera, symphony, art museums, and fine dining. He later added travel and enjoyed all of the above throughout his life. He was widowed when he was 55 and later met Astrida Berzs of Portland, OR, his companion until his death. At age 89, he moved to a Retirement Community in Portland, OR, where he died at the age of 94 following a short illness. In addition to Astrida, he leaves nephews and a niece and many great nieces and nephews.

During his life he was a kind, gentle, humble man who cared deeply for his family and friends. While he appreciated the cultural aspects of life he also enjoyed the simple things life had to offer: seeing a sunset, the mountains, and enjoying time with friends. He was appreciative of his family and his upbringing in Corbin and continued to support charities that served the people of Appalachia.

Services were handled privately by the family.

Obituary announcement courtesy of Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com